Martin Gardner wrote that it was a "pioneering publication" and the "most entertaining magazine" aimed at this age group published in the US.

[3]: 145  Priced from 10 to 50 cents over its twenty-year run, it was primarily purchased by middle and upper income families due to its cost.

He ended up working a variety of jobs in California, including a streetcar conductor, where he was fired for giving free rides to children, a newspaper reporter, and a bank clerk.

[3]: 151  Notable writers and artists who contributed to John Martin's Book include Thornton Burgess, Conrad Richter, Grace Adele Pierce, Johnny Gruelle, Justin Gruelle, Jack Yeats, William Wallace Denslow, Frank Verbeck, and Wanda Gag.

[3]: 151–53  The most important contributor was illustrator George Carlson, who contributed over fifty covers and most of the puzzles, riddles, and activities to the magazine.